SPARCstation IPX (Sun 4/50)
Gallery
Image of OSfOM.org Collection's SPARCstation IPX (Sun 4/50).
Technical Specifications
| Model: | SPARCstation IPX (Sun 4/50) |
|---|---|
| Codename: Platform: |
|
| Processor: Math Copro: |
|
| Clock Speed: | |
| RAM: | |
| Graphics: | |
| Operating System: | |
| Introduced: | |
| Dealer price (net): |
History
The SPARCstation IPX: The Faster Lunchbox
Following the SPARCstation IPC, Sun Microsystems released the SPARCstation IPX (codenamed "Hobbes" or Sun 4/50) in July 1991. This model continued the "lunchbox" form factor introduced with the IPC but brought a significant performance upgrade, making it a popular choice for users needing more power in a compact desktop machine.
The SPARCstation IPX was powered by a faster 40 MHz Fujitsu MB86903 or Weitek W8701 SPARC processor. This increased clock speed, combined with other architectural refinements, provided a noticeable performance improvement over the 25 MHz IPC. It also typically came with onboard color graphics (a CGthree or cgsix framebuffer), a step up from the monochrome-only option on the IPC's motherboard.
Like the IPC, the IPX utilized the SBus expansion slots for further customization. Its "lunchbox" chassis remained popular for its relatively small desktop footprint compared to the "pizza box" models. The IPX was widely used in technical, scientific, and software development environments where space was limited but performance was still important.
The SPARCstation IPX, like other systems of its era, used an NVRAM chip with an internal battery to store system configuration. The eventual depletion of this battery is a common issue for collectors today, requiring replacement or modification to keep the machine fully functional.
As a faster, more capable version of the "lunchbox" design, the SPARCstation IPX was a successful model for Sun and remains a sought-after piece of vintage hardware, representing the continued evolution of the SPARCstation line before the introduction of the microSPARC and SuperSPARC systems.